Exercise Cushion And Uses Thereof

ABSTRACT

Exercise cushion and uses thereof are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary exercise cushion may include a filler material that is both flexible and resilient. An outer covering is provided over the filler material. An indentation is formed in a front portion of the filler material such that the overall shape of the exercise cushion maintains a substantially kidney-bean shape from a top or bottom view. A substantially level top surface and a substantially level bottom surface cooperate together with a floor surface the exercise cushion is placed on to enable a practitioner to sit comfortably in an upright position. The exercise cushion may also be used as a meditation cushion.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to co-owned U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/747,720 for “Exercise Cushion” of Maria DeSimoneLavigne, filed May 19, 2006, hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Pillows are commercially available for use in yoga, meditation, andother exercises. These pillows are typically soft and therefore do notprovide much support to the practitioner (or user). In addition, thesepillows may be configured such that the practitioner's heel can not movein close to the pelvic floor, forcing the legs to be wider apart whenthe practitioner is in a position known as the “lotus” position. Thisinability to assume the desired posture can add additional strain to apractitioner who has tight hip flexors.

Other pillows tend to extend so far out that the practitioner's thigh ispushed forward, making it difficult for the practitioner to scoop his orher tailbone down and inward to extend his or her spine upward. Otherpillows may also be configured with a built-in forward lean, which,tends to close off the groin area and forces the hips forward causingback and shoulder pain. This posture makes sitting long-term on thesepillows uncomfortable.

Still other pillows are often too large and/or bulky (and can also berelatively heavy), making these pillows difficult to store andtransport.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of an exercise cushion are disclosed. Anindentation may be formed in a front portion of the exercise cushion,giving the exercise cushion a substantially “kidney-bean” shape whenviewed from the top (or bottom). The indentation enables comfortablepositioning of a practitioner's legs when the practitioner's hips are ina compact position (e.g., when the knees are kept closer together). Thekidney-bean shape also enables the head of the practitioner's femur boneto rest comfortably in the hip joint, while allowing the thighs to restcomfortably towards the floor. The density of the exercise cushion maybe selected such that it provides firm support for the practitioner, andhelps prevent the practitioner from falling forward.

Exemplary embodiments of the exercise cushion may also havesubstantially level top and bottom portions that enable the practitionerto sit comfortably in an upright position. The exercise cushion may alsobe sized such that it is large enough to support the practitioner's sitbones and the upper head of the practitioner's femur bones, as well as aportion of the practitioner's behind. The exercise cushion may also belight-weight and sized such that it is portable, enabling thepractitioner to easily store and transport the exercise cushion to anyof a variety of different venues.

In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, still otherembodiments will also be readily apparent to those having skill in theart based on an understanding of the description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-c are views of an exemplary exercise cushion, wherein (a) is atop perspective view, (b) is a side perspective view, and (c) is a rearperspective view.

FIGS. 2 a-e are views of the exemplary exercise cushion shown in FIG. 1with an outer covering removed to show an inner covering, wherein (a) isa top perspective view, (b) is a front perspective view, (c) is a sideperspective view, (d) is another front perspective view, and (e) is atop plan view.

FIGS. 3 a-e are views of the exemplary exercise cushion with the outercovering shown in FIG. 1 removed and the inner covering shown in FIG. 2removed to show a filler material, wherein (a) is a top perspective viewillustrating a layered configuration, (b) is a back perspective view,(c) is a top plan view, (d) is a side perspective view, and (e) is aback perspective view showing a layer of the filler material removed.

FIGS. 4 a-h are views of the exemplary exercise cushion shown in FIG. 1illustrating exemplary use by a practitioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments that areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numeralsare used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same orsubstantially the same parts or operations. The drawings are insimplified form and not to precise scale. For purposes of convenienceand clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right,up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front may be used withrespect to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directionalterms, should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1 a-c are views of an exemplary exercise cushion 10, wherein (a)is a top perspective view showing top surface, (b) is a side perspectiveview, and (c) is a rear perspective view. An exemplary cushion 10 mayinclude a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12, a front side 13, rightand left sides 14 and 15, respectively, and a back side 16. In anexemplary embodiment, the cushion 10 may have an indentation 18 formed,in the front side 13. Accordingly, the cushion appears to have asubstantially “kidney-bean” shape when viewed from the top surface 11(or bottom surface 12).

Also in an exemplary embodiment, the cushion 10 may also have asubstantially flat or level top surface 11 and bottom surface 12relative to a floor the cushion 10 is placed on. These substantiallyflat surfaces 11 and 12 enable a practitioner to sit upright comfortablywithout forcing the practitioner's sacrum forward (unless thepractitioner so desires to move into such a position).

The cushion 10 may be sized sufficiently large to support thepractitioner's sit bones and upper head of the practitioner's femurbones, as well as a portion of the practitioner's behind. Accordingly,the weight of the practitioner is evenly distributed and remains stableduring use. However, the cushion 10 should not be over-sized.Over-sizing the cushion 10 may result in instability and adverselyaffect its function. For example, a cushion which is too tall or toosoft may cause the practitioner to lean or fall forward.

Different color/pattern/style outer coverings 20 may be provided so thatthe practitioner can tailor the cushion 10 his or her personal taste. Inaddition to making the cushion 10 aesthetically pleasing to thepractitioner, outer covering 20 may also be provided to protect thecushion 10 against wear. For example, outer covering 20 may be atear-resistant dirt-resistant and/or puncture-resistant material to helpmake the cushion 10 durable. Outer covering 20 may also include anon-skid material (e.g., at least on the bottom surface) to reduceslipping of the cushion 10 during use on the floor, or even between theuser and the top surface 11 of the cushion 10.

Optionally, the outer covering 20 may be provided with a zipper (orVelcro or other closure means) around at least a portion of the cushion10 so that the outer covering 20 can be removed. For example, thepractitioner may want to remove the outer covering 20 for washing itswitching to a different color/pattern/style outer covering 20, orreplacing a worn outer covering 20 with a new outer covering. The zippermay be provided around about 85% of the cushion 10 from the front sideto the back side with boxing in the back. Alternatively, the boxing maybe in the front and the zipper in the back. Other configurations arealso contemplated even though not specified herein, and may beimplemented based on design and/or cost considerations.

FIGS. 2 a-e are views of the exemplary exercise cushion 10 shown in FIG.1 with an outer covering 20 removed to show an inner covering 30,wherein (a) is a top perspective view, (b) is a front perspective view,(c) is a side perspective view, (d) is another front perspective view,and (e) is a top plan view. Inner covering 30 may be provided to helpform the body of the cushion, in addition, inner covering 30 may helpsoften the cushion 10 for the practitioner.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inner covering 30 fits snuggly over thefiller material 40 (see FIG. 3). For example, the inner covering 30 maybe somewhat elastic so that it can be stretched over larger fillermaterial 40, and automatically shrink and conform to smaller fillermaterial 40.

In an exemplary embodiment, inner covering 30 is a “fluffly” cloth-likematerial which aids in maintaining the position of the outer covering 20during use. That is, the inner covering 30 provides a frictional surfacebetween the filler material 40 and the outer covering 30 so that theouter cover 30 does not slide around relative to the filler material.However, other materials may also be used for this or other purposes.

FIGS. 3 a-e are views of the exemplary exercise cushion 10 with theouter covering 20 shown in FIG. 1 removed and the inner covering 30shown in FIG. 2 removed to show a filler material 40, wherein (a) is atop perspective view illustrating a layered configuration, (b) is a backperspective view, (c) is a top plan view, (d) is a side perspectiveview, and (e) is a back perspective view showing a layer of the fillermaterial 40 removed. The filler material 40 may be selected such thatits density is substantially firmer than other commercially availablecushions. This firmer density also helps support the practitioner andkeep him or her from leaning or falling forward.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cushion 10 may be manufactured withfiller material 40 having multiple layers (e.g., layers 41, 42, and 43shown in FIG. 3). Optionally, each layer may have a different density.For example, bottom layer 43 may be the firmest, while middle layer 42may be firm, but somewhat softer than the bottom layer 43. The lowerfirm layers 42 and 43 help provide a stable seat for the practitionerduring use. The top layer 41 may be sufficiently soft for thepractitioner's comfort, but still dense enough to help provide a stableseat. For purposes of illustration, the top layer 41 may be made of a#2.8 density 64 ILD foam, and the bottom layer 43 may be made of a #9density 140-170 ILD foam. The middle foam layer may have a densitysomewhere between these two layers.

It is noted that the cushion 10 is not limited to any particular type ordensity of filler material 40. Other materials may include but are notlimited to gels. Nor is the cushion 10 limited to discrete layers. Forexample a single filler material 40 may be used having stratifiedproperties. Or a substantially uniform filler material 40 may be used.Where multiple layers of filler material 40 are used, any number oflayers may be used and the cushion 10 is not limited to any particularnumber of layers.

Optionally, one or more layers of foam 41-43 may be removed from thecushion 10 (e.g., layer 41 is shown removed in FIG. 3 e), or added tothe cushion 10. This enables the cushion 10 to be adjusted to differentheights. For example, the bottom layer of foam may be removed from theexercise cushion so that it may be used for yoga. The bottom layer offoam may be re-inserted so that the exercise cushion may be used formeditation.

It is noted that the cushion 10 may also be configured for any of a widevariety of body sizes, types, and/or shapes. For example, the cushion 10may be customized for a particular practitioner. Alternatively, theexercise cushion may be configured for different groups or profiles ofpractitioners (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced). By way ofexample, the exercise cushion may be configured with a lower seat heightfor practitioners who have open hips, hamstrings and back, whereas theexercise cushion may be configured with a higher seat height forpractitioners who have tight hamstrings, hips, and/or back.

FIGS. 4 a-h are views of the exemplary exercise cushion 10 shown in FIG.1 illustrating exemplary use by a practitioner 50. As discussed above,the indentation 18 formed in the front side 13 of the cushion 10 (whichgives the cushion 10 a substantially “kidney-bean” shape) enables thepractitioner 40 to readily position his or her legs for the exercise(and for comfort during the exercise). By bringing the heel of the footright up close to the pelvic floor (as best seen FIGS. 4 c and 4 d), thepractitioner's hips are more compact (i.e., the knees are closertogether as best seen in FIG. 4 b). Without the indentation 18, thepractitioner's heel would be unable to move in close enough to thepelvic floor (e.g., when the practitioner 40 is in a “lotus position”for yoga), therefore forcing the practitioner's legs to be wider apart.This can add additional strain to the practitioner 40, especially apractitioner with tight hip flexors.

When executing many exercises, particularly in yoga, it is oftennecessary to allow the practitioner's thighs to move to the back planeof the body (as best seen in FIGS. 4 e and 4 f), so that thepractitioner's tail bone can readily move down and in, allowing thepractitioner's spine to move upward. For example, in Anusara yoga, it isimportant that each part of the practitioner's body move to an optimaland stable position to create a strong integrated mind and bodysensation. The indentation 18 also enables a head of the practitioner'sfemur bone to rest comfortably in the practitioner's hip joint, whileallowing the practitioner's thighs to rest comfortably towards thefloor. As the practitioner's thighs move back and widen, and thepractitioner's tail bone moves down and in, the two actions create astrong core from which the practitioner 50 extends his or her spineupwards.

Although cushion 10 has been described herein with reference to FIG. 4as it may be used for yoga and meditation, it is noted that the cushion10 is not limited to any particular type of use. The cushion 10 may alsohave application for other exercises, and indeed, other uses such asphysical therapy, as will be readily apparent to those having skill inthe art after becoming familiar with the teachings herein.

In addition to the specific embodiments explicitly set forth herein,other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification disclosed herein. It isintended that the specification and illustrated embodiments beconsidered as examples only.

1. An exercise cushion, comprising; a filler material that is bothflexible and resilient; an outer covering provided over the fillermaterial; an indentation formed in a front portion of the fillermaterial such that the overall shape of the exercise cushion maintains asubstantially kidney-bean shape from a top or bottom view; and asubstantially level top surface and a substantially level bottom surfacecooperating together with a floor surface the exercise cushion is placedon to enable a practitioner to sit comfortably in an upright position.2. The exercise cushion of claim 1 further comprising an inner coveringproviding between the filler material and the outer covering.
 3. Theexercise cushion of claim 1 wherein the filler material is layered foam.4. The exercise cushion of claim 1 wherein the shape enables comfortablepositioning of the practitioner's legs when the practitioner's hips arein a compact position.
 5. The exercise cushion of claim 1 wherein theshape enables a head of the practitioner's femur bone to restcomfortably in the practitioner's hip joint, while the practitioner'sthighs rest comfortably towards the floor surface the exercise cushionis positioned on.
 6. The exercise cushion of claim 1 configurable for awide variety of body sizes, types, and shapes.
 7. The exercise cushionof claim 1 configurable for different groups and profiles ofpractitioners.
 8. A light-weight and portable meditation cushion,comprising: a foam filler material, the foam filler having anindentation formed in a front side portion such that the overall shapeof the exercise cushion, appears substantially kidney-bean shape from atop or bottom view; an outer covering provided over the foam fillermaterial; an inner covering provided between the foam filler materialand the outer covering; and a substantially level top surface and asubstantially level bottom surface cooperating together with a floorsurface the exercise cushion is placed on to enable a practitioner tosit comfortably in an upright position.
 9. The cushion of claim 8wherein the foam filler material comprises a plurality of layers. 10.The cushion of claim 9 wherein at least one of the plurality of layersof the foam filler material are removable to adjust a height fordifferent practitioners.
 11. The cushion of claim 9 wherein at least oneof the plurality of layers of the foam filler material is stiffer thanat least one other of the plurality of layers.
 12. The cushion of claim9 wherein at least one of the plurality of layers of the foam fillermaterial is softer than at least one other of the plurality of layers.13. The cushion of claim 8 wherein at least the outer covering isstretchable over the foam filler material so that the outer covetingsubstantially conforms to the size of the foam filler material.
 14. Amethod comprising: covering a resilient filler material to form acushion; forming an indentation in a side portion of the cushion toprovide a substantially kidney-bean shape when the cushion is viewedfrom a top or bottom view; and providing a substantially level topsurface and a substantially level bottom surface for the cushion. 15.The method of claim 14 further comprising selecting a density of thefiller material to provide firm support for the practitioner
 16. Themethod of claim 14 further comprising a density of the filler materialto prevent the practitioner from falling forward.
 17. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising sizing the cushion large enough to supportthe practitioner's sit bones.
 18. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising sizing the cushion large enough to support an upper head ofthe practitioner's femur bones.
 19. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising sizing the cushion large enough to support at least a portionof the practitioner's behind.
 20. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising sizing the cushion for easy storage and transport.